LADY WINDERMERE. I shall dine in my own room. I don’t want dinner, in fact. See that everything is ready by half-past ten. And, Parker, be sure you pronounce the names of the guests very distinctly to-night. Sometimes you speak so fast that I miss them. I am particularly anxious to hear the names quite clearly, so as to make no mistake. You understand, Parker? PARKER. Yes, my lady. LADY WINDERMERE. That will do! [_Exit_ PARKER _C._] [_Speaking to_ LORD WINDERMERE.] Arthur, if that woman comes here—I warn you— LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you’ll ruin us! LADY WINDERMERE. Us! From this moment my life is separate from yours. But if you wish to avoid a public scandal, write at once to this woman, and tell her that I forbid her to come here! LORD WINDERMERE. I will not—I cannot—she must come! LADY WINDERMERE. Then I shall do exactly as I have said. [_Goes R._] You leave me no choice. [_Exit R._] LORD WINDERMERE. [_Calling after her_.] Margaret! Margaret! [_A pause_.] My God! What shall I do? I dare not tell her who this woman really is. The shame would kill her. [_Sinks down into a chair and buries his face in his hands_.] * * * * * ACT DROP SECOND ACT SCENE _Drawing-room in Lord Windermere’s house_. _Door R.U. opening into ball-room_, _where band is playing_. _Door L. through which guests are entering_. _Door L.U. opens on to illuminated terrace_. _Palms_, _flowers_, _and brilliant lights_. _Room crowded with guests_. _Lady Windermere is receiving them_. DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [_Up C._] So strange Lord Windermere isn’t here. Mr. Hopper is very late, too. You have kept those five dances for him, Agatha? [_Comes down_.] LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma. DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [_Sitting on sofa_.] Just let me see your card. I’m so glad Lady Windermere has revived cards.—They’re a mother’s only safeguard. You dear simple little thing! [_Scratches out two names_.] No nice girl should ever waltz with such particularly younger sons! It looks so fast! The last two dances you might pass on the terrace with Mr. Hopper. [_Enter_ MR. DUMBY _and_ LADY PLYMDALE _from the ball-room_.] LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma. DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [_Fanning herself_.] The air is so pleasant there. PARKER. Mrs. Cowper-Cowper. Lady Stutfield. Sir James Royston. Mr. Guy Berkeley. [_These people enter as announced_.] DUMBY. Good evening, Lady Stutfield. I suppose this will be the last ball of the season? LADY STUTFIELD. I suppose so, Mr. Dumby. It’s been a delightful season, hasn’t it? DUMBY. Quite delightful! Good evening, Duchess. I suppose this will be the last ball of the season? DUCHESS OF BERWICK. I suppose so, Mr. Dumby. It has been a very dull season, hasn’t it?